Machiavelli's Discourses Throughout his discourses, Machiavelli gives a political and philosophical interpretation of the first ten books of Livy's History. ... Machiavelli tends to put a strong emphasis on Roman religion by addressing the fact that it held the Roman Empire together for such a long period of time, unlike Christianity of his day which kept Italy in disunity. ... Machiavelli's focus on liberty and greatness of empire can be seen throughout his discourses on Rome's history. ... He not only discusses Rome's history and accomplishments, but he also equ...

• Word Count: 1335
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Thomas Wiedemann states in his book Emperors and Gladiators, "When Caesar invaded Italy in 49 BC, his opponents were particularly concerned about the 5000 gladiators owned by him kept at or near Capua. "3 It is likely that the opponents of Caesar were simply looking for a means to vilify him rather than having any true concern over his use of gladiators in the armed conflict to come. ... Cassius Dio wrote of Cicero's return from exile in his Roman History, "During the very taking of the vote on the measure Clodius, knowing that the multitude would be on Cicero's side, took the gla...

• Word Count: 1225
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

This is where Livy came in with his sweeping history of Rome. ... Second, he clearly projects the events of his own time onto his history simply because that is what he understands best. ... The events of these two centuries formed the lens through which he viewed the history of the early Roman people. ... This shows that Livy is using the Conflict of Orders to resemble the recent history of conflict between the Optimates and Populares. ... Livy most likely thought of the injustice done to Gracchus when he wrote this account into his history. ...

• Word Count: 2928
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Caesar's intentions were not at first to conquer Gaul, but rather Illyria, due to three of his legions being based in Italy. ... Not only this, but he also never mentioned spoils of war or booty obtained by the army, which history shows, is a driving factor in an armies desire for victory. ... History, being written by the Victors, will likely focus their attention more on the great feats achieved, rather than the infamous aspects of their victory. ...

• Word Count: 1502
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate